Music has a unique power to spark joy, stir memories, and bring generations together, especially for seniors who grew up with timeless classics.
Whether you're looking to create an uplifting playlist for a loved one or want to reconnect through shared nostalgia, this list of music seniors love from every generation offers the perfect soundtrack.
From big band swing and '50s rock ‘n’ roll to Motown soul and iconic ‘80s hits, we’ve curated a musical journey that will get toes tapping, hearts warming, and stories flowing. Let the power of melody strengthen your bond and brighten their day!
Music Reduces Stress, Anxiety, and Pain in Seniors
Music is an amazing, drug-free way to improve the quality of life for older adults. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of music.
It reduces stress, anxiety, and pain. It also enhances immune function, supports memory, and promotes exercise.
To help you find music your older adult loves, we’ve rounded up dozens of top hits from every generation.
Music Magically Reaches Those with Dementia
Another benefit is that music helps people reminisce and reconnect with emotions and experiences.
That’s why it’s often recommended for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It reduces anxiety and agitation while boosting happiness and engagement.
The documentary Alive Inside is a great example of how music can reach people with even very advanced dementia.
The Top Songs From Every Generation
To reap the benefits, it’s essential to play music that your older adult enjoys and connects with, typically music from their younger years.
We've got something for every generation, starting with the 1930s for those who are 90 years old and older, and going all the way to the songs 60-year-olds will remember from their youth.
Here are some of the top artists and highly rated “best of” albums from each decade. Click the links to see the albums we suggest.
*DailyCaring may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this article.
VIDEO: Music for Seniors: The Top Songs that Shaped a Generation
Top music hits for 90+ year olds
- Perfect Nostalgia: Best Music of the 1920s 30s & 40s
- The Very Best Of The Andrews Sisters
- The Very Best of Benny Goodman
- 100 Hits Legends: Bing Crosby
- Glenn Miller Greatest Hits
- Judy Garland At 100: 26 Classics In Stereo
Top music hits for 80+ year olds
- #1 Hits Of The 1940s
- Greatest Songs Of The 1940's
- Dinah Shore: Her Greatest Hits
- Doris Day's Greatest Hits
- The Very Best of Nat King Cole
- Patti Page: The Complete US Hits 1948-62
- Tony Bennett: All Time Greatest Hits
Top music hits for 70+ year olds
- Rock N Roll Forever: Best of the 50's
- No. 1 Hits of the 50's
- Connie Francis: Gold
- Elvis Presley: The 50 Greatest Hits
- Everly Brothers: The Platinum Collection
- The Rat Pack: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr.
Top music hits for 60+ year olds
- No 1 Hits Of The 60's
- Aretha Franklin: 30 Greatest Hits
- The Beatles 1
- The Very Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
- The Very Best Of The Rolling Stones 1964-1971
- Roy Orbison: The Ultimate Collection
- The Best of Simon & Garfunkel
Top music hits: Jazz
- Billie Holiday: The Platinum Collection
- Charlie Parker
- Duke Ellington & John Coltrane
- Ella Fitzgerald – Gold
- Louis Armstrong – All-Time Greatest Hits
- Miles Davis Kind of Blue
So, go ahead, create that playlist, press play, and watch the magic happen! The right song can do more than fill a room with sound; it can bridge years in an instant, sparking a memory, a story, or a smile that says more than words ever could.
This isn't just about listening to music; it's about rediscovering a powerful and joyful way to connect with the aging adult in your life!
Now, we'd love to hear from you: What one song always brings a smile to your loved one's face? Share your family's favorite in the comments below.
Recommended for you:
- Entertain and Engage Seniors with Books on Tape
- Free Crosswords for Seniors: Large Print Puzzles
- Entertaining Seniors at Home: Watch Free Live Nature Cameras
About the Author
Connie is the founder of DailyCaring.com and was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also understands the importance of support, especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
This list for 70 year olds is so wrong! I and my friends listen to 60’s, 70’s and 80’s rock. I would never listen to 50’s or the Rat Pack. I know who they are but that is definitely not my kind of music.
Why can’t 70 year olds enjoy music from when they were 50. I discovered Moby and love his Play album.
That’s fantastic! Anyone can enjoy any kind of music from any era or genre. However, research shows that many people especially enjoy music from their youth. That’s not to say they wouldn’t like other types of music as well. If someone is looking for suggestions or a starting point, using their age as a guide can be helpful.
My grandmother loves ray stevens, and she sings the roy rogers song whenever it plays, too! She also likes the monkees.
That’s wonderful!
Do you have any hymn CD s for singing to?
There might be something you would like among these hymn CDs on Amazon — https://amzn.to/2OoGZsv
I am a activities coordinator at my home. We have residents that range in age from 100 98 94 Plus. We have some ages 68 58 54 and so on. We deal with mental illness and dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Wow! That’s a wide age range to work with. I hope these song suggestions help you find music that suits a variety of tastes!
i’m an activity director and i use this youtube channel a lot… it’s live piano
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tOG4Sbz2C6s
Thank you for sharing Tom! These are great tunes 🙂 For anyone who’d like to listen to all the videos on this channel on autoplay, use this link — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZZ2HAtRHNk&list=UU4zSQRo-IzJU8lmnPRewb1Q
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